Joint Ramadan greeting by S. Californian Muslim Orgs

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—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—

Southern California, CA (May 4, 2019) – The Southern California Chapter of The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) joined other organizations that represent the Muslims of Southern California, in issuing the first joint Ramadan greeting to the community.
The effort was initiated by the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California that represents more than 70 Muslim organizations and centers in the region. The other organizations were the Council for American Islamic Relations – Los Angeles (CAIR-LA), Muslim American Society Greater Los Angeles (MAS GLA) Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), and the Shia Muslim Council of Southern California (SMC).

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may observe self-restraint (al-Taqwa).” [2:183]

As we join our fellow believers all over the world in welcoming this blessed month of Ramadan let us resolve to make the most of this opportunity to invigorate our spirits during this month of mercy. Even the very name Ramadan is so meaningfully inspirational. Its root word ar-ramad denotes intense scorching heat. We all know that heat is essential to help change, shape and mold – from steel to plastics, plants to chemicals. In the same vein, Ramadhan helps a believer remold, reshape, reform, and renew lifestyle, behavior, social interaction as well as reinforce his Imaan.

Let us show our gratitude and delight at being able to obey one of Allah’s most cherished commands. Our giving and charity makes a statement of our gratitude and appreciation for bountiful blessings of the Almighty we enjoy.

The Holy Qur’an says: And whoever is grateful, he is grateful for his own soul, and whoever is ungrateful, then surely My Lord is Self-sufficient, Honored. (27:40).

Let us also take the opportunity during this Holy Month to build stronger ties and develop closer relationships with all Muslim communities in Southern California and build bridges of unity through religious and social events, like communal Iftars with our Muslim brothers and sisters and other communities of different faiths and cultures.

In these days of blessings, let us remember our brothers and sisters around the world for whom these times present great challenges of war, poverty, and injustice everywhere. In the wake of the murder of fifty innocent men women and children at Friday prayers, in New Zealand, let us devote our time and resources to help address the root causes of Islamophobia. Let us pray to our Most Merciful Lord to grant a full and speedy recovery to the injured, and security and peace to the millions of other victims of tyranny and injustice.

May this Ramadan bring us peace, harmony and prosperity, brighten our minds that we may reflect deeply for seeking God-Consciousness and make this world a better place for everyone to live together in peace and social harmony – Ameen.

We wish you and your families Ramadan Mubarak and pray that the Almighty accepts our efforts and worship during this month of blessings and gives us increased tawfeeq to serve Him with Ikhlaas.

The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.